Programming apparatus

ABSTRACT

A plurality of memory relays have their respective set coils connected in series with and between channel terminals of a first rough setting matrix and a first fine setting matrix, and have their respective reset coils connected in series with and between channel terminals of a second rough setting matrix and a second fine setting matrix. The timing terminals of the first and second rough setting matrices are connected to the output terminals of a rough counting relay and the timing terminals of the first and second fine setting matrixes are connected to the output terminals of a fine counting relay. These counting relays are supplied with clock pulses for counting operation by means of a clock pulse source. Each memory relay is driven to a set state in response to an output provided at a corresponding channel terminal at a time point preset in the first setting matrixes and is driven to a reset state in response to an output provided at a corresponding channel terminal at a time point preset in the second setting matrixes. Means for controlling the pulse repetition frequency of the clock pulse and for returning said counting relays and memory relays are provided and frequency control and return operation are controlled advantageously by means of said memory relays.

United States Patent [191 Sano et al.

[ 1 Jan. 15, 1974 1 PROGRAMMING APPARATUS [75] Inventors: Noboru Sano; Yoshihide Bando,

both of Kyoto, Japan [73] Assignee: Omron Tateisi Electronics Co., Kyoto, Japan 22 Filed: May 17,1971

21 Appl.No.:143,977

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Primary ExaminerMaynard R. Wilbur Assistant Examiner-Robert F. Gnuse Att0rney-Brufsky, Staas, Breiner & Halsey Mon 7 MANUAL PULSE GEN.

Ex v EXTERIOR-PULSE PREFERENCE comet DEVICE Osc Msvv

[ 5 7] ABSTRACT A plurality of memory relays have their respective set coils connected in series with and between channel terminals of a first rough setting matrix and a first fine setting matrix, and have their respective reset coils connected in series with and between channel terminals of a second rough setting matrix and a second fine setting matrix. The timing terminals of the first and second rough setting matrices are connected to the output terminals of a rough counting relay and the timing terminals of the first and second fine setting matrixes are connected to the output terminals of a fine counting relay. These counting relays are supplied with clock pulses for counting operation by means of a clock pulse source. 2

Each memory relay is driven to a set state in response to an output provided at a corresponding channel terminal at a'time point preset in the first setting' matrixes and is driven to a reset state in response to an output provided at a corresponding channel terminal at a time point preset in the second] setting matrixes.

Means for controlling the pulse repetition frequency of the clock pulse and for returning said counting relays and memory relays are provided and frequency control and return operation are controlled advantageously by means of said memory relays.

10 Claims, 10 Drawing lFigures MR MR RESET-DRIVING SETTING DEVJBE PAIENTEDJAN 1 51914 3. 786,239

' sum u or 8 FIG. 3A

PATENTEDJAN 1 5M 3', 786,239

SHEET 7 BF 8 FIG. 5

PROGRAMMING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improved programming apparatus and more specifically to such an apparatus for set-driving memory relays in a preset time sequence and then reset-driving the same also in a preset time sequence according to a preset program. i 2. Description of the Prior Art In using machine tools of a type of numerical control, cinema house equipments, neon signs etc. it is required to control a single or a plurality of memory relays in a correct preset time sequence by set-driving the memory relays at a given timing and then reset-driving the same also at a given timing according to the preset program, respectively. A typical example of known apparatus hitherto used for this purpose has a single or a plurality of cams mounted on a common revolving shaft, each cam having a sliding surface in a configuration corresponding to the program set for each channel. Said sliding surface is engaged with electric switching devices such as microswitches, each controlling a corresponding memory relay. A fundamental disadvantage of such devices is that no accurate control in the preset time sequence could be hoped for by the method of setting the program by means of configuration of the cams sliding surface and also that such a device is liable to be bulky.

In lieu of a combination of the cam having a sliding surface of a programmed configuration and electric switching means engaged therewith, a non-contact type counter such as an electronic counter may be used. However, such non-contact type counter is disadvantageous in that it is expensive, irrespective of the advantage of non-contact.

The same purpose can also be attained with the use of a single matrix contact switching device by, for instance, assigning the group of row contacts to the memory relays in a plurality of channels and the group of column contacts to the timing device or the counting device. When high accuracy is required in respect of time sequence, however, the required number of contacts in the column group is inevitably big and its construction is liable to be highly complicated. Also there are quite a variety of devices proposed for the purpose but none has so far proved satisfactory in respect of accuracy and/or simplicity.

Therefore, it would be advantageous if one may obtain a programming apparatus reasonably simple in construction and capable of performing accurate setdriving and reset-driving. Such a programming apparatus will be all the more advantageous if it is so designed that the speed of the progress of the program can be controlled by the apparatus itself or from outside the apparatus forthe desired variegation of the apparatus functions. Still more advantageous will be such programming apparatus if its functions are further variegated by so designing that return to the starting point can be accomplished according to the program set by the apparatus itself or manually or from outside the apparatus when the program has progressed to a certain timing point.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Briefly stated, the present invention comprises at least one memory relay having the set coil energized by an output of a first setting means associated with a counting relay supplied with clock pulses, when counting reaches a preset count, and having the reset coil energized by an output of a second setting means associated with said counting relay, when counting reaches another preset count.

In a preferred embodiment, as the first setting means a first rough setting matrix and a first fine setting matrix are employed and as the second setting means a second rough setting mstrix and a second fine setting matrix are employed. The first and second rough setting matrixes are supplied with the timing output from a rough counting relay and the first and second fine setting matrixes are supplied with the timing output from a fine counting relay. A corresponding plurality of memory relays have their set coils connected in series with and between corresponding channel terminals of the first rough and fine matrixes and have their reset coils connected in series with and between corresponding channel terminals of the second rough and fine matrixes.

Each memory relay is driven to a set state in response to an output provided at a corresponding channel terminal at a time point preset in the first setting matrixes and is driven to a reset state in response to an output provided at a corresponding channel terminal at a time point preset in the second setting matrixes.

Preferably means for controlling the pulse repetition frequency of the clock pulse and. for returning said counting relays and memory relays are provided. The

frequency control and return operation of these means are advantageously controlled by using the memory relays.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple means which enables eide selection of timev sequences to be set.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for set-driving a memory relay at the preset timing and then reset-driving the same also at the preset timing.

Still another object of the present invention is to employ a pulse-driven counting relay for determining the timing of the programmed set-driving and reset-driving.

A further object of the present invention is to enable variation of the program progress speed through control of the pulse generation mode by using a pulsedriven counting relay for determining the programmed timing of set-driving and reset-driving.

Still a further object of the present invention is to enable return to the initial state of the whole programming apparatus at a selected timing with the use of a pulse-driven counting relay for determining the pro grammed timing of set-driving and reset-driving.

It is a further object of the invention to enable various setting of the time sequence with respect to a plurality of channels by a combined connection of at least two counting relays.

It is still a further object of the invention to use at least two counting relays and at least two matrixes annexed thereto respectively for enabling rough setting of timing with one of those and fine setting of timing with the other of those with respect to a plurality of channels.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic concept of a programming apparatus in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of the set-driving program setting device used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the reset-driving program setting device used in the apparatus shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3A is an illustration of a typical memory relay,

FIGS. 4A and 4B are the left half and right half of the circuit diagram of the control system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 respectively.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the relationship between the set-driving program setting device and the circuit diagram of the control system.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the relationship between the reset-driving program setting device and the circuit diagram of the control system.

FIG. 7 is an elevational view of a programming apparatus of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention, and

FIG. 8 is a rear view of the programming apparatus shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 1. An Outline of the Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the basic concept of the programming apparatus in accordance with the present invention. The programming apparatus as shown basically comprises a pulse source P (generally referring to blocks Man, Ex, Exc, Osc, and Osc a counting relay or stepping relay C (generally referring to blocks C and C,). a set-driving setting device M (generally referring to blocks MS and MS,). a resetdriving setting device M, (generally referring to blocks MR and MR,) and a memory relay to be setor resetdriven Obj (generally referring to blocks S, R and KR).

The pulse source P supplies pulses to the counting relay C and the timing progresses with counting of the pulses. The selected program is set on both setting devices Mr and Ms and as a cooperative function of the progress of said timing and the set program the corresponding driving signals are provided at an output of the set-driving AND gate As and an output of the resetdriving AND gate Ar, respectively, so that individual memory relays Obj are set-driven or reset-driven.

The pulse source is composed of a pulse generator Man, an exterior pulse generator Ex, an exterior-pulse preference control device Exc and two pulse generators Osc, and Osc, of different frequencies housed in the programming apparatus. Either of generators Osc, and Osc, is made in an active mode by means of a flip flop FF. This selection may be made by means of a manual switch Msw or the program set on the programming apparatus. Control of the flip flop FF by the set program is accomplished by the output from the AND gates As and Ar which are fed via routes indicated by dotted lines. Outputs from the generators Osc, and Osc are fed through OR gate 0 to an inhibit gate Ink and the output from exterior-pulse preference control device Exc is fed to the inhibit gate Inh so as to inhibit the output from the OR gate 0 Outputs from the devices Man and Ex and the gate Inh are fed through OR gate 0, to the counting relay.

The counting relay is composed of a device C, for fine counting, for instance, of the unit digit and a device C,,, for rough counting, for instance, of the 10th digit, these being connected in series. Similarly the setting devices Ms and Mr comprise devices for fine purpose MS, and MR, and devices for rough purpose MS and MR corresponding to the abovementioned devices C, and C,,,, respectively. Coincidence of the counting of the counting relay C and the setting of the device Ms is detected by the gate As. Likewise, coincidence of the counting of the device C with the setting of the device Mr is detected by the gate Ar.

The gate As drives a set coil S of the memory relay Obj, while the gate Ar drives a reset coil R of the memory relay Obj. In case a plurality of control channels are required, a corresponding plurality of devices Ms and Mr are provided to cover all channels.

When the apparatus thus has a plurality of functions, one of the channels can be utilized for selection control of the two pulse generators Osc, and Osc, housed in said programming apparatus; such loop is indicated with dotted line as mentioned above. One of such plural channels can also be utilized for returning the whole programming apparatus. In the figure is shown an example of such control loop so connected that the output from the gate Ar is fed through a return control device Rr to the relay C for having it returned. Such return control can be accomplished not only by the set program but also manually or by an exterior signal and for this purpose a return control device Sw is connected to the reset coil R and the relay C.

The basic concept of the present invention has been discussed through description of the construction and functions of an embodiment shown in FIG. 1. However, it is to be pointed out that FIG. 1 is only for such purticular purpose as to illustrate the basic concept of the present invention and the explanation given above with reference to FIG. 1 can be somewhat different in terms of expression from the detailed explanation given below, especially concerning the logic circuit.

2. Program Setting Device The outline of the present invention thus being discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the whole apparatus will be described in more detail by dividing the apparatus into the program setting device and the program control device. First, in this subsection, the program setting device, generally referring to the counting relay C, the setting devices Ms and Mr and the memory relay Obj, will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing the set-driving setting device MS of the program setting device of an embodiment of the present invention, while FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing the reset system provided cooperatively with the circuit shown in FIG. 2. Each of memory relays provided in a plurality of channels is so controlled that it is set-driven at the first set timing and then reset-driven at the second set timing.

Referring first only to FIG. 2, an embodiment of the abovementioned program setting will be described in detail in the following. The'circuit shown in FIG. 3 is similar to that of FIG. 2 in structure as well as function and hence the understanding of FIG. 2 will facilitate that of FIG. 3. Now referring to FIG. 2, the program setting device for the set-driving is characterized by the fact that a rough counting relay C,,,, a rough countingchannel matrix device M8,, attached thereto, set coils S of the memory relays provided in each channel, a

rough counting-channel matrix device MS, and a fine counting relay C, are connected in this order between a power source +V and the ground GND. The rough counting relay C corresponds, for instance, to a th digit counter and makes step up or count up on arrival of a 10th digit input pulse P,,, (or count up on arrival of every 10th input pulse P,), providing the output successively at terminals 0, l, 2 9. Similarly the fine counting relay C corresponds, for instance, to a unit digit counter and makes count upon arrival of a unit digit input pulse P,, providing the output successively at terminals 0, l, 2 9.

Thesetting matrix devices MS and MS, may be of the same construction and the column contacts correspond to the abovementioned counting relay terminals and the row contacts to the plural channels. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is shown for simplicity of illustration an example of only channels Ch,, Ch Ch, Also in the embodiment shown are provided channels Cho and Che, which, as will be described in detail later, are used for selection control of the abovementioned pulse generators Osc, and Osc and selection control of pulse sources provided inside and outside the apparatus. The setting matrix devices are so designed that any one point of intersection for each channel can be closed adjustably-between row and column contacts. For each channel, one of the set coils (S S, 5, and a backward current blocking diode d, are connected between the two matrix devices MS, and MS,.

FIG. 3A shows an illustration of a typical embodiment of such a memory relay. The set coil S is wound together with the reset coil R on a core CO to form a memory relay Obj. Upon energization of the set coil S the core CO is magnetized and the resultant residual magnetism keeps an armature A attracted to the core CO. The memory relay is thus set-driven. Upon energization of the reset coil R the core CO is demagnetized and the armature A is urged to a returned state by means of a spring and remains returned. Thus the memory relay Obj is reset-driven.

In operation, it is now assumed that for the channel Ch, setting is made for timing of count 23 for controlling of the set coil 8,. The intersection for the channel Ch, and the terminal 2 of the rough setting matrix device MS,,, is then closed and the intersection of channel Ch, and the terminal 3 of the device MS, is closed. Similar setting is made with respect to the other channels. The set coil S, for the channel Ch, is energized when the counting relays C, and C, make the count up to reach a count corresponding to 23.The same applies to other channels.

As the programming apparatus has a plurality of channels, a circuit leading from the device MS, to the device MS, through a certain channel, then back to the device M8,, through another channel and also back to the device MS, through still another channel could be formed at a certain timing. This means the possibility of the so-called short circuit which can give cause for an erroneous action not in accordance with the set program. The backward current blocking diode d, is therefore provided to prevent this phenomenon.

As may be apparent from the foregoing description, the adoption of two sets of counting relays and matrix devices and of the described mode of circuit connection enables a simplified circuit and markedly finer subdivision of the set timing. In the illustrated example setting is possible for 10 X 10 counts or steps. If this setting capacity were to be accomplished with the use of a single counting relay and matrix device, the program device would have been liable to be highly complex and expensive.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 indicator lamps L and L, are connected together with the backward current blocking diodes d, between the counting relays C, and C, and the power source through terminals 0, l, 2 9 so that the stepping up of count-can be observed visually.

Additional channels Chc and Che are utilized for controlling the operation of the programming apparatus by the set program itself. For instance, the programming apparatus can be made multii-functional by providing the possibility of controlling the pulse repetition frequency or synchronism of input pulses P, and P by the set program. For this purpose the channel Chc is utilized for selection control of the generators Osc, and Osc, shown in FIG. 1, while the channel Che is utilized for selection control of the pulse sources, one of which is built in the programming apparatus and the other is provided outside the apparatus.

The circuit shown in FIG. 3 is used for reset driving of the reset coilR of the memory relay Obj, whereas the circuit shown in FIG. 2 is used for set control of the set coil S. The circuit shown in FIG. 3 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 2 and hence, for avoiding repetition of detailed description, the corresponding parts of these two circuits are referred to by the same or similar reference characters (For instance,.S for the set side in FIG. 2 and R for the reset side in FIG. 3 are used.). In the following description emphasisis placed only on the major difference between them. In FIG. 3 the count indicating lamp circuit is omitted to avoid duplicity.

The circuit shown in FIG. 3 has an additionalchannel Chr, which is used for resetting the counting relays of the whole programming apparatus according to the set program. At the same time it is also necessary to reset the memory relay. For this purpose there are connected between power source and ground GND a switch Sw,, the backward current blocking diodes d,, and switch Sw, in series. The switches Sw, and Sw,, can also be operated manually.

3. Program Control Device In the following control of the whole programming apparatus of the present invention will be described. For this purpose FIGS. 4A and 4B show the left half and right half of the circuit diagram of the control system of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1, respectively, and FIGS. 5 and 6 show the set-driving program setting device and the reset-driving program setting device, respectively, in somewhat simplified manner and together with a part of the circuits related to the abovementioned program control device.

Now referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the control device is connected through a power source switch Pow Sw inserted in a bus Bus to a power source PS and between the bus Bus and the ground GND are connected relays for various control functions, relay contacts and coils of the abovementioned memory relays. As regards these relays, as a rule, a normally open contact or an a-contact is "designated by adding a subscript a to the reference character for relay (also a serial number when a plurality of contacts are provided) and a normally closed contact or a b-contact by adding a subscript b to the reference character for relay (also a serial number when a plurality of contacts are provided).

At the right end of the control circuit is provided a direct current generating device composed of a transformer Trans and a rectifier Rect which are connected to the circuit over terminals A and B, and the direct current taken out of terminals C and D is used as a DC source for the circuits shown in FIGS. and 6. In the following is described the structure and operation of the control device.

a. Counting Operation of Counting Relay C As mentioned above, the counting relay C receives pulses from either of the pulse generators Osc, and Osc (which are to be described in more detail later). This counting relay, however, can alternatively be connected to receive pulses from an exterior pulse source or a manual pulse source. In any case the pulse is fed to the coils of counting relays C, and C, for stepping operation.

As a result of this first stepping the movable contact is moved off terminal 0 and a relay X is turned off and the stepping operation is continued with a contact X remaining on until the movable contact comes in contact with a terminal 9, at which time a relay X, is turned on and is self-hold on as a function of a contact X,.,,,, which causes a carry over to a relay C, or makes the relay C, step up and the relay C, return. In FIG. 6 the illustration of the relays X and X and contacts X and X required for this stepping operation is omitted for the sake of convenience. This carry over stepping operation by a series connection of two counting relays is well known to those skilled in the art.

b. Selection of Pulse Sources When the manual switch Sta for selection of pulse source to the built-in pulse generator is turned on, the relay X, is turned on, contact X, is closed and either one of on-delay timers T, and T corresponding to the pulse generators Oscl and Osc2, respectively, is turned on. The timers T, and T and relay X and their contacts form the pulse generator Osc,, while the timers T and T and relay X and their contacts form the pulse generator Osc In more detail, the delay time of the timer T is chosen to be the pulse interval T, of the pulse generated by the pulse generator Osc, and the delay time of the timer T is chosen to be the pulse interval T of the pulse generated by the pulse generator Osc The delay time of the timer T is chosen to be the pulse width T of the pulses generated by both generators Osc, and Osc, When the contact X, is closed, either timer T, or T is turned on, as the case may be, and after a lapse of the time period T, or T the contact T, or T is turned on, which makes the current flow through the counting relay C,. At the same time, the timer T is .turned on and after a lapse of the time period T, the

contact T is turned on, at which time the relay X is instantaneously energized and the contact X is instantaneously opened. Thus the timer T, or T is returned to the initial state and the abovementioned operation is repeated thereafter.

ers T and T and the relay X and the pulse thus generated is given to the coil of the counting relay. The contact X is then kept off, which disables the terminal Out which is closed by an exterior signal fed from an exterior pulse source. Thus, with the exterior pulse source disabled, either of the inside pulse generators Osc, and Osc is in operation.

It is to be pointed out that a one-shot multivibrator may be used in place of a combination of the relay X, and the timer T,. It is also to be pointed out that preferably a variable setting timer is used as the timer T,. Employment of such a variable setting timer permits manual setting of any pulse repetition frequency of the pulse generated by the generator.

The selection of pulse sources Osc, and Osc, is done as follows. When a selection switch Fast is manually turned on, the set coil XS is turned on at the preset count or step, at which time the contact XS, is closed to turn on a relay X,,, which is then self-hold on by cooperation of the contact X At a later preset step the reset coil XR,,, is turned on and at the same time the contact XR, is turned off, which makes the relay X, turn off. Before relay X is turned on, the circuit including the timer T, is completed and after the relay X, is turned on the circuit including the timer T, is completed. Thus, either of the generators Osc, and Osc, is selected. Since the pulse generators Osc, and Osc, are different in frequency of the generated pulse, it is apparent that the count up or step up speed of the counting relays C, and C can be varied according to the program set by the programming apparatus. A switch Fex controlled by the exteriorcontrol pulse functions likewise.

When the switch Sta is turned off, the relay X, is turned off and contact X,,,is opened. This disables the circuits including the timers T, and T, and as a result the built-in pulse generators Osc, and Osc, are turned off. At the same time the contact X, is closed and the set coil C, is now energized by an exterior pulse signal generated by intermittent closing of the terminal Out, When the terminal Out, being closed the exterior signal is turned on while the switch Sta is off the system operates in the same way as in case the switch Sta is turned on and the pulse source can be changed over to the built-in pulse generator by the control signal given to the terminal Out, being closed by the exterior signal.

If a switch which operates according to a set program is provided in parallel with the switch Sta and the terminal Out,, the selection of the inside and outside pulse sources is then possible also by the set program in addition to the described method of selecting the inside and outside pulse sources manually or by the exterior signal. The connection for such a purpose will be described in the following. The channel Che of the programming apparatus is used for such a purpose. The set coil XS is turned on at a given set position, resulting in closing of the contact XS, The relay X is then turned on, resulting in closing of the contact X and the relay X is self-hold on. The contact X is closed and the relay X, is turned on, so that the changeover to the built-in pulse generators Osc, and Osc, is accomplished. Then at a certain set position the reset coil XR, is turned on, resulting in opening of the contact XR Accordingly the self-holding 'of the relay X, is released and the relay X, is turned off. The changeover to the exterior pulse signal source is thus accomplished.

c. Return Operation The programming apparatus of the embodiment shown of the present apparatus can be returned at a preselected step position either by the exterior signal, manual signal or according to a set program. For this purpose, the apparatus is provided with return coils RTC and RTC for returning the coils C, and C When the manual switch MR is turned on, the relay X is turned on and self-hold on with closing of the contact X The contact X is closed and the relay X and the coil RTC, are turned on. Also the contact X is closed and the coil RTC is turned on. Thus all counting relays C and C are reset to zero or returned. Simultaneously the contacts X and X shown in FIG. 6 are closed and the reset coils R (R R R R of the memory relays are turned on for resetdriving the entire memory relay. On returning of the counting relay, the relay X is turned on and the contacts X and X are opened, which releases the self-holding of the relays X and X At the same time the relay X, is turned on and the contact X is opened for preventing possible closing of the circuit when the set step is passed through during return of the counting relay to zero. The contact X connected in series with the contact X is for the purpose of a similar operation required when the unit digit count is returned to zero in the process of carry over.

Now that, in the foregoing the procedure required for manual returning has been described, the procedure for returningaccording to set program by using the programming appratus will be described in the following. The channel Chr is set in advance for a desired return program and hence the reset coil XR is turned on at the said step position. Under this setting, the returning is accomplished according to the set program, the rest of the procedures being the same as in the case described above in conjunction with the switch MR being on. The similar return is possible by using the terminal Out closed by the exterior signal.

4. Appearance of an Embodiment Apparatus FIG. 7 shows an elevational view of the programming apparatus of an embodiment in accordance with the present invention and FIG. 8 shows a rear view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7. Referring to FIG. 7, there may be seen the setting matrixes MS MS,, MR and MR,; the indication lamps L and L the manual switches MR and MS; the manual switch Sta for changing the pulse source to the built-in pulse generator; and the power source switch Pow Sw, arranged on the front panel. Referring to FIG. 8, there also may be seen the variable setting timer T the terminals closed by the exterior signals Out,, Cut and Out common contacts CC, normally open contacts'CA and normally closed contacts CB for fifteen memory relays, arranged on the rear panel. Further the power source PS is shown in a simplified manner connected to the power source terminal. Likewise three loads L L and L are shown in .a simplified manner connected between the common contacts CC and the normally open contacts CA of the memory relay for the channels 1, 2 and 3.

While specific preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent that obvious variations and modifications of the invention will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art from a consideration of the foregoing description. It is, therefore, desired that the present invention be limited only by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Programming apparatus comprising:

means for generating pulses;

counting means for counting said pulses, said counting means comprising first and second counting relays for performing rough counting and fine counting of the pulses, respectively;

first setting means associated with said counting means and comprising a plurality of channels, each providing an output when counting reaches a preset count;

second setting means associated with said counting means and comprising a plurality of channels, each providing an output when counting reaches a preset count;

each of said first and second setting means comprising a rough setting portion for establishing a rough setting with respect to said first counting relay and a fine setting portion for establishing a fine setting with respect to said second counting relay;

a corresponding plurality of memory relays, each of said corresponding memory relays being actuated independently of said other memory relays to either of its first or second states in response to the outputs of the corresponding channels of said first and second setting means, respectively;

said pulse generating means having a pulse repetition frequency of the output thereof which is selectively variable;

means for controlling the pulse repetition frequency of said pulse generating means by the use of one of said plurality of memory relays;

as to each of said first and second setting means, said first counting relay, said rough setting portion thereof, said fine setting portion thereof, and said second counting relay being connected in series in the above-mentioned order; and

said memory relays being connected in series between said rough and said fine setting means of said series connection.

2. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, which further comprises means for returning said counting means at a given time during the progress of the program.

3. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said returning means is controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays to effect that return operation.

4. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which diodes are connected in series with said memory relays for preventing a backward current flow .therethrough.

5. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said controlling means actuates the output of said pulse generating means to a first pulse repetition frequency in response to the first state of said memory relay and to a second pulse repetition frequency in response to the second state of said memory relay, respectively.

6. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said pulse generating means comprises a pulse source provided internally of said apparatus and a terminal means for connection to a pulse source provided externally of the apparatus, and said apparatus further comprising means for selecting one of said internal pulse source and said external pulse source to be connected to said terminal means for supplying pulses therefrom to said counting means.

7. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said means for selecting said pulse generating means is controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays.

8. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said memory relays are driven to a set state by an output of said first setting means and to a reset by an output of said second setting means.

9. A programming apparatus comprising: pulse generating means having variable setting timer means for generating a train of pulses having a selectively variable pulse repetition frequency,

rough and fine counting relays for counting said pulses,

first rough and fine setting means associated with said rough and fine counting relays, respectively, and

having a plurality of channels, each of said channels providing an output when the count of said counting relays reaches a preset count,

a plurality of memory relays corresponding to said plurality of channels, each of said memory relays having a set coil and a reset coil,

means for connecting said set coils in series with and between said first rough and fine setting means of said respectively corresponding channels,

means for connecting said reset coils in series with and between said rough and fine setting means of said respectively corresponding channels,

diodes connected in series with said set and reset coils for preventing backward current flow therethrough, and

means for returning said counting relays and memory relays at a given time point during the progress of the program, said return operation of said returning means being controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays, the pulse repetition frequency of said pulse generating means being selected in accordance with the state of one of said memory relays.

- ltlgtpr ograrnming apparatus comprising;

pulse generating means having variable setting timer means for generating a train of pulses of said channels providing an output when the count of saidcounting relays reaches a preset count, I

a plurality of memory relays corresponding to said plurality of channels, each of said memory relays having a set coil and a reset coil,

means for connecting said set coils in series with and between said first rough and fine setting means of said respectively corresponding channels,

means for connecting said reset coils in series with and between said second rough and fine setting means of said respectively corresponding channels,

diodes connected in series with said set and reset coils for preventing backward current flow therethrough, and

means for returning said counting relays and memory relays at a given time point during the progress of the program, said return operation of said returning means being controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays, the pulse repetition frequency of said pulse generating means being selected in accordance with the sate of one of said memory relays.

v UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE 0F CORRECTION pat n 3,786,239 Da ed January 15,1974

Inventoz-(s) Noboru Sanoand Yoshihide Bando It is certified that error appears in-the above-identified patent f andt hat said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as. shown below:

Column 10; line 1, issued claim 1 should read as follows:

1. A programming apparat'us, comprising:

7 means for generating pulses; n p t p n n n means for counting said pulses, said counting means t t p comprising, first and secondco unt ing relays, one thereof performing rough counting and the other. thereof performing fine counting of the pulses;

first settingflmeans associated with said counting means for providing an output when the countof said counting means reaches a preset count;

v second settingmeans associated withsai dcountingmeans f for providing an output when the count of saidcounting means reaches a Ipreset count; and

t memory means having first and second statesand being, 1

[responsive to the outputof said firstsetting meansto be set tors-aid first state, and to the output ofsaid second settingmeans to be set to said second n state," said memory means comprising a plurality ofmer'nory relays, each said memory relays being driven to a set state by an output of said first setting means andto a reset state by an output of said second setting means,

"ealch'of sai dfirst and second settingmeans comprising a rough setting portion for establishing a rough setting withrespeot to said first counting relayand a fine setting portion for establishing a-t'ine setting with respect to saidsecond counting relay,

asfto each of said first and second setting means, said first counting relay, said rough setting portion thereof said fine setting portion thereof,and said second countingrelay being connected; in series in the above-mentionedorder, and

said memory relays being connected in series betvqeensaid rough and said fineset ting means of said-series connection.

3 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTIQN Pittman.- 3 7El?6,239 v Dated January 15,1974

l g mfl Noboru Sano andYoshihide Bando v age 2 It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below *Ad d new claim 5 followsz 4 "5. Programming apparatus-as claimed inclaim-I, wherein said pulse generating means has a pulse repetition frequency of the output thereof which is .selectivelyvariable, and there is included means forjcon jtrol ling the pulse repetition frequency of said pulse genera'tingmeans by the i use ofone oflsaid plurality of memory relays.

n claim 5 ,"'col 'um'n1i), line 48} change ithefn umbering to issued claim 6; line 49, column 10, change'the dependency from claim toclaim 5. a t

n lssuedic'laim column '11, line 1 change the numbering to. claim ihlinefZQchange the dependency from claim 6 to claim 7.

. i t Issuedclaim 8 column 11 line 5, changethe' numbering J toclaim 9. f V t i t Issued-claim 9, column 11,- line changethe numbering to claim 10. t "a I e a si ned aid ent-d this 9 day of July lfi n;

isE iL.) h. i 1 a p h t Attest z n a :LMcC'OY M. GIB ON,- JR. T i p c. MARsg LL DANN Attesting Officer n Commis'slonerof Patents UlcoM -oc lOIIl-Pl. I... III-III "I'D" QI'ICI III. 0-1.?!

u yo-mso lie-m 

1. A programming apparatus, comprising: means for generating pulses, means for counting said pulses, said counting means comprising first and second counting relays, one thereof performing rough counting and the other thereof performing fine counting of the pulses, first setting means associated with said counting means for providing an output when the Count of said counting means reaches a preset count, second setting means associated with said counting means for providing an output when the count of said counting means reaches a preset count, and memory means having first and second states and being responsive to the output of said first setting means to be set to said first state, and to the output of said second setting means to be set to said second state, said memory means comprising a plurality of memory relays, each of said memory relays being driven to a set state by an output of said first setting means and to a reset state by an output of said second setting means, each of said first and second setting means comprising a rough setting portion for establishing a rough setting with respect to said first counting relay and a fine setting portion for establishing a fine setting with respect to said second counting relay, as to each of said first and second setting means, said first counting relay, said rough setting portion thereof, said fine setting portion thereof, and said second counting relay being connected in series in the above-mentioned order, and said memory relays being connected in series between said rough and said fine setting means of said series connection. a corresponding plurality of memory relays, each of said corresponding memory relays being actuated independently of said other memory relays to either of its first or second states in response to the outputs of the corresponding channels of said first and second setting means, respectively;
 2. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, which further comprises means for returning said counting means at a given time during the progress of the program.
 3. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein said returning means is controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays to effect that return operation.
 4. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which diodes are connected in series with said memory relays for preventing a backward current flow therethrough.
 5. Programming apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pulse generating means has a pulse repetition frequency of the output thereof which is selectively variable, and there is included means for controlling the pulse repetition frequency of said pulse generating means by the use of one of said plurality of memory relays.
 6. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein said pulse generating means comprises a pulse source provided internally of said apparatus and a terminal means for connection to a pulse source provided externally of the apparatus, and said apparatus further comprising means for selecting one of said internal pulse source and said external pulse source to be connected to said terminal means for supplying pulses therefrom to said counting means.
 7. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 6, wherein said means for selecting said pulse generating means is controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays.
 8. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 5, wherein said controlling means actuates the output of said pulse generating means to a first pulse repetition frequency in response to the first state of said memory relay to a second pulse repetition frequency in response to the second state of said memory relay, respectively.
 9. Programming apparatus in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that said memory relays are driven to a set state by an output of said first setting means and to a reset state by an output of said second setting means.
 10. A programming apparatus comprising: pulse generating means having variable setting timer means for generating a train of pulses having a selectively variable pulse repetition frequency, rough and fine counting relays for counting said pulses, first rough and fine setting means associated with said rough and fine counting relays, respectively, and haVing a plurality of channels, each of said channels providing an output when the count of said counting relays reaches a preset count, a plurality of memory relays corresponding to said plurality of channels, each of said memory relays having a set coil and a reset coil, means for connecting said set coils in series with and between said first rough and fine setting means of said respectively corresponding channels, means for connecting said reset coils in series with and between said second rough and fine setting means of said respectively corresponding channels, diodes connected in series with said set and reset coils for preventing backward current flow therethrough, and means for returning said counting relays and memory relays at a given time point during the progress of the program, said return operation of said returning means being controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays, the pulse repetition frequency of said pulse generating means being selected in accordance with the state of one of said memory relays. means for connecting said reset coils in series with and between said rough and fine setting means of said respectively corresponding channels, diodes connected in series with said set and reset coils for preventing backward current flow therethrough, and means for returning said counting relays and memory relays at a given time point during the progress of the program, said return operation of said returning means being controlled in response to at least one of said plurality of memory relays, the pulse repetition frequency of said pulse generating means being selected in accordance with the state of one of said memory relays. 